Storage device for storing transport units

Abstract

A storage device (1′) for storing transport units (3′) includes a number of transport units (3′), a number of storage lines (12a′-12g′) which are configured to store transport units (3′), a feeding line (11′) which is connected by a respective first switch point (111′) to the storage lines (12a′-12g′), a measuring device (15′) which is arranged on the feeding line (11′) and which is configured to determine a respective extent of a transport unit (3′), and a controller (16′) which is connected to the measuring device (15′) and to the first switch pointes (111′) and which is configured to select a storage line (12a′-12g′) for storing the transport unit (3′) on the basis of the extent of the transport unit (3′) determined by the measuring device (15′).

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) for storing transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 ), comprising:
 a number of transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 ); 
 a number of storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) which are configured to store transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ); 
 a feeding line ( 11 ,  11 ′) which is connected by a respective first switch point ( 111 ,  111 ′) to the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a   1 - 12   g ′); 
 a measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ) which is arranged on the feeding line ( 11 ,  11 ′) and which is configured to determine a respective extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ); and 
 
       a controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) which is connected to the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ) and to the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) and which is configured to select a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) for storing the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) on the basis of an extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) determined by the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ), wherein 
       the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ) is configured to determine the extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) in a conveying direction (F), wherein the present number of transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 ) stored in the respective storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′), the extent (L 1 , L 2 ) in the conveying direction (F) associated with the stored transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) and the lengths of the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) is stored in the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″), wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) is configured to determine free lengths of the respective storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) from the lengths of the respective storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′), from the number of stored transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) and from the associated extents (L 1 , L 2 ) in the conveying direction (F) and to control the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) in each case such that the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) store a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) in a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) with a free length which is greater than or equal to the extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) in the conveying direction (F) determined by the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ). 
     
     
       2. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′) is arranged upstream of the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′). 
     
     
       3. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) is configured to control the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) in each case such that a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) with an extent (L 1 , L 2 ) in the conveying direction (F) which is greater than the free length of a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) is led past said storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) by the first switch pointes ( 111 ,  111 ′). 
     
     
       4. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) is configured to control the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) in each case such that the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) store the transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) in the respective storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ) in accordance with a storage plan stored in the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″). 
     
     
       5. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) comprises a discharge line ( 13 ,  13 ′) which is connected by means of a respective second switch point ( 131 ,  131 ′) to the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′). 
     
     
       6. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) is configured to assign the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) a respective extent range, and to control the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) in each case such that a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) with an extent (L 1 , L 2 ) which lies in the extent range of a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) is stored in said storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) by the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′). 
     
     
       7. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) is configured to assign the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) in each case a number of extent ranges and to control the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) in each case such that a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) with an extent (L 1 , L 2 ) which lies in one of the extent ranges of a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) is stored in said storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) by the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′). 
     
     
       8. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) is configured to, in the case of multiple storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) in which a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) can be stored on the basis of the determined extent (L 1 , L 2 ), select a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) in accordance with a prioritization plan, stored in the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″), for the storage of the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ). 
     
     
       9. The storage device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the measuring device ( 15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ) comprises an optical sensor ( 15 . 11 - 15 . 61 ), a light barrier ( 15 . 31 ,  15 . 51 ), a camera ( 15 . 41 ,  15 . 61 ), a light curtain ( 15 . 311 ,  15 . 511 ), a light grid, or a light scanner ( 15 . 11 ,  15 . 21 ). 
     
     
       10. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) each comprise at least one of a carrying unit ( 31 ,  361 ,  371 - 391 ,  3101 ,  3111 ,  3121 ), and a bag ( 31 ,  371 - 391 ,  3101 ,  3111 ,  3121 ), for carrying items for transport ( 4 ,  4 ′,  4 ″,  46 ,  411 ). 
     
     
       11. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) each comprise a carriage ( 32 ,  362 ,  372 ) to which the carrying units ( 31 ,  361 ,  371 - 391 ,  3101 ,  3111 ,  3121 ) are respectively fastenable, wherein the carriage ( 32 ,  362 ,  372 ) configured to be conveyed in hanging fashion in the storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′). 
     
     
       12. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) each comprise at least one of an identification element, a barcode ( 33 ) and an RFID tag. 
     
     
       13. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein, on the feeding line ( 11 ,  11 ′), there is arranged a readout device ( 112 ′) which is connected to the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) and which is configured to read out the identification element ( 33 ) of a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) and to transmit the read-out information to the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″). 
     
     
       14. The storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) is configured to assign the read-out information to an determined extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ). 
     
     
       15. The storage device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the measuring device ( 15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ) comprises a guiding device ( 15 . 12 - 15 . 62 ) which is configured to stabilize a transport unit ( 37 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) during the determination of the extent by the measuring device ( 15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ). 
     
     
       16. The storage device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the guiding device ( 15 . 2 ,  15 . 6 ) comprises a drive which is configured to drive the guiding device ( 15 . 2 ,  15 . 6 ) for moving the transport unit along ( 37 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ). 
     
     
       17. The storage device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the guiding device ( 15 . 12 - 15 . 62 ) comprises at least one limiting body ( 15 . 22   a ,  15 . 22   b ,  15 . 62   a ,  15 . 62   b ) which is configured to limit a movement of the transport unit ( 37 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ), an oscillatory movement, horizontally transversely or longitudinally with respect to the conveying direction (F). 
     
     
       18. The storage device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the limiting body ( 15 . 22   a ,  15 . 22   b ,  15 . 62   a ,  15 . 62   b ) comprises a belt ( 15 . 121 ,  15 . 221 ,  15 . 321 ,  15 . 521 ,  15 . 621 ) which circulates over at least two rollers ( 15 . 223 ,  15 . 224 ,  15 . 523 ,  15 . 524 ,  15 . 623 ,  15 . 624 ) and which is configured to limit a movement of the transport unit ( 37 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) transversely with respect to the belt ( 15 . 121 ,  15 . 221 ,  15 . 321 ,  15 . 521 ,  15 . 621 ). 
     
     
       19. The storage device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the belt ( 15 . 121 ,  15 . 221 ,  15 . 321 ,  15 . 521 ,  15 . 621 ) comprises at least one of a stabilizing structure and a carrier structure which is configured as at least one of brushes ( 15 . 122 ,  15 . 222 ,  15 . 322 ,  15 . 522 ) and foam elements ( 15 . 622 ) arranged on the outer surface of the belt ( 15 . 121 ,  15 . 221 ,  15 . 321 ,  15 . 521 ,  15 . 621 ), wherein the brushes ( 15 . 122 ,  15 . 222 ,  15 . 322 ,  15 . 522 ) and/or foam elements ( 15 . 622 ) are configured to stabilize the transport unit ( 37 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) and move the latter along in the conveying direction (F). 
     
     
       20. A storage facility ( 10 ) comprising a storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) comprising a storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) for storing transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 ), comprising:
 a number of transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 ); 
 a number of storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) which are configured to store transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ); 
 a feeding line ( 11 ,  11 ′) which is connected by a respective first switch point ( 111 ,  111 ′) to the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′); 
 a measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ) which is arranged on the feeding line ( 11 ,  11 ′) and which is configured to determine a respective extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ); and 
 a controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) which is connected to the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ) and to the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) and which is configured to select a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) for storing the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) on the basis of an extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) determined by the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ), wherein 
 the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ) is configured to determine the extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) in a conveying direction (F), wherein the present number of transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 ) stored in the respective storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′), the extent (L 1 , L 2 ) in the conveying direction (F) associated with the stored transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) and the lengths of the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) is stored in the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″), wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) is configured to determine free lengths of the respective storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) from the lengths of the respective storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′), from the number of stored transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) and from the associated extents (L 1 , L 2 ) in the conveying direction (F) and to control the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) in each case such that the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) store a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) in a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) with a free length which is greater than or equal to the extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) in the conveying direction (F) determined by the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ), and 
 a loading station ( 2 ,  2 ″) which is arranged on the feeding line ( 11 ,  11 ′) and at which the transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) can each be loaded with items for transport ( 4 ,  4 ′,  4 ″,  46 ,  411 ). 
 
     
     
       21. The storage facility ( 10 ) as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein, at the loading station ( 2 ,  2 ″), there is arranged a second measuring device ( 281 ″) which is configured to determine the extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of the transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) after the loading with items for transport ( 4 ,  4 ′,  4 ″,  46 ,  411 ). 
     
     
       22. A method for operating a storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′), comprising the steps:
 i) providing a storage device ( 1 ,  1 ′) for storing transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 ), comprising 
 a number of transport units (( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 ); 
 a number of storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) which are configured to store transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ); 
 a feeding line ( 11 ,  11 ′) which is connected by a respective first switch point ( 111 ,  111 ′) to the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′); 
 a measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ) which is arranged on the feeding line ( 11 ,  11 ′); and 
 a controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) which is connected to the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ) and to the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′); 
 ii) providing transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) loaded with items for transport ( 4 ,  4 ′,  4 ″,  46 ,  411 ) in the feeding line ( 11 ,  11 ′); 
 iii) determining a respective extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) by means of the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ) in the conveying direction (F) and 
 iv) storing the present number of transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) stored in the respective storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′), the extents (L 1 , L 2 ) in the conveying direction (F) associated with the stored transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) and the lengths of the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) in the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″); and 
 v) determining the free lengths of the respective storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) from the lengths of the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′), from the number of stored transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) and from the associated extents (L 1 , L 2 ) in the conveying direction (F) by means of the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) and transmitting the determined extent (L 1 , L 2 ) to the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′); and 
 vi) selecting a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) for storing the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) on the basis of the extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) determined by the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ); and 
 vii) controlling the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) by means of the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) such that the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) store a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) in a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) with a free length which is greater than or equal to the extent (L 1 , L 2 ) of the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) in the conveying direction (F) determined by the measuring device ( 15 ,  15 ′,  15 . 1 - 15 . 6 ). 
 
     
     
       23. The method as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) controls the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) in each case such that a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) with an extent (L 1 , L 2 ) in the conveying direction (F) which is greater than the free length of a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) is led past said storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) by the first switch pointes ( 111 ,  111 ′). 
     
     
       24. The method as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) controls the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) in each case such that the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) store the transport units ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) in the respective storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ) in accordance with a storage plan stored in the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″). 
     
     
       25. The method as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) assigns the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) a respective extent range, and controls the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) in each case such that a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) with an extent (L 1 , L 2 ) which lies in the extent range of a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) is stored in said storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) by the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′). 
     
     
       26. The method as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″) assigns the storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) in each case a number of extent ranges and controls the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′) in each case such that that a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) with an extent (L 1 , L 2 ) which lies in the one of the extent ranges of a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) is stored in said storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) by the first switch points ( 111 ,  111 ′). 
     
     
       27. The method as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″), in the case of multiple storage lines ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) in which a transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ) can be stored on the basis of the determined extent (L 1 , L 2 ), selects a storage line ( 12 ,  12   a ′- 12   g ′) in accordance with a prioritization plan, stored in the controller ( 16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″), for the storage of the transport unit ( 3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″,  3   a ″,  36 - 39 ,  310 - 312 ).